The Dreamer - 18. Chapter 18 - Wedding Vows and Speeches

Robby’s Wedding Vows to Manny

“Manny, standing here with you today, I can’t help but think back to the first time we met. It feels like a lifetime ago, and yet, I remember it so clearly. You walked into my life when I wasn’t sure who I was or where I was going. But there was something about you, something that made me feel like everything was going to be okay. From that very first moment, I knew my life was about to change forever.

We’ve been through so much together. College was a whirlwind—filled with late-night study sessions, doubts, fears, and those quiet moments of closeness that pulled us through. I think about the times when we both felt lost, unsure of who we were or if we’d ever find our place in the world. But through it all, you were my anchor. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, and you showed me that love could be a force stronger than anything else.

Remember the struggles we faced, the moments when it felt like the world was against us? In those early days, we were so young, so unsure of who we were or what we wanted. It felt like there was one crisis after another, and sometimes I wondered if we’d ever make it through. We were immature, making mistakes, stumbling through school and life, and trying to figure it all out. But even in the chaos, you were my constant.

We had to navigate not only the pressures of school but also the weight of our own insecurities, our fears of being who we truly are. But even in our darkest times, we found light in each other. You taught me what it means to fight for something worth having, and I will forever be grateful for your strength and your love.

You’ve shown me how to grow, how to love without fear, and how to believe in a future brighter than I ever thought possible. And today, I stand here not as the person I was back then, but as someone stronger and better because of you.

Then, there was the day we became parents. I remember the moment we held our children for the first time, and it felt like the culmination of everything we’d been through together. Those tiny hands and feet, the way they looked up at us with eyes so full of wonder—it was in those moments that I knew we were more than just partners. We were a family. And we were blessed with a love that had grown stronger with every challenge, every triumph, every tear.

And now, here we are, standing together, about to take this step that we’ve waited so long for. Manny, I vow to you today that I will cherish you, honor you, and stand by your side for the rest of our lives. I promise to continue learning from you, to grow with you, and to love you with the same intensity and passion that I felt from the moment we first met.

I vow to support you in your dreams, to celebrate with you in your successes, and to hold you close when the world feels too heavy. I vow to be the continue being the best father I can be to our children and to always make our family the center of my world.

But most of all, I vow to love you, Manny, in every way that I can. From our first meeting to this very moment, and for all the moments that are yet to come, I am yours. I will always be yours.

Thank you for walking into my life. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world. I love you, Manny, now and forever.”

Manny's Wedding Vows to Robby

"Robby, when I look at you, I see more than just the love of my life—I see the person who has been with me through every joy, every challenge, and every moment that shaped us into who we are today. I see the man who stood by me when I wasn’t even sure of myself, the man who taught me what it means to love and be loved without condition.

From the very first time we met, I didn’t know then how much you would mean to me. I didn’t know that this quiet, patient, and sometimes too-forgiving guy would become the center of my world. You gave me the courage to be myself. To live fully. You believed in us, in our future, even when I doubted.

We’ve had our fair share of misunderstandings, especially in those early days when we were still figuring out who we were and what we wanted. There were times when our insecurities got the better of us, when we let fear, and doubt creep in. But we promised each other—no matter what, we would communicate openly, we would listen, and we would always try to see each other’s hearts even when things were hard. And that’s what we’ve done.

Through every disagreement, we’ve found our way back to each other. We never let anger linger, never went to sleep without making sure we were okay. You showed me that love isn’t just about the good moments, but about how you show up in the hard ones—how you choose to stay, to fight for each other, and to grow together.

You were always there, Robby—helping me see things more clearly, pushing me to be better, to grow. You gave me the space to face my fears and the strength to overcome them. And you did it all without asking for anything in return, except to share this journey with me.

Through every challenge we’ve faced, through the times when we struggled to balance work, school, and life—you never wavered. You kept us steady. And when we thought about the future, about building a family and making a life, it was always with the same quiet determination that you’ve had since the beginning.

Today, standing here with you, I promise you this: I will always be your partner. I will be there in your moments of triumph, and I will be there when life doesn’t go as planned. I will stand by your side, not just in the easy times, but in the hardest ones too, because that’s what we’ve done all these years—and we’ve done it together.

I love you, Robby. For everything you are, everything you’ve shown me, and for the future that we will continue to build—together. You’ve given me more than I could have ever asked for, and today, I give you my heart, again, forever."

Marias Speech at Manny and Robby's Wedding

"Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Maria, and I’ve had the incredible privilege of being part of Manny and Robby’s lives for many years now. When I first met these two, I could see the special bond between them, even before they fully realized it themselves. I think we all saw it—a connection that was undeniable, a love that was simply waiting to be discovered.

Manny, you’ve always been the quiet strength, the one who takes everything in, processes it, and then acts with such thoughtfulness. And Robby, you’ve been the heart, the one who leads with passion and wears your emotions on your sleeve - even though you won't admit it. Together, you balance each other perfectly—like two pieces of a puzzle that were always meant to fit together.

I’ve watched you both grow, not just as individuals, but as a couple. You’ve faced challenges that many people wouldn’t understand, but you’ve come through them stronger, with a love that has only deepened over the years. You’ve built a life together, a family, and today is just another beautiful step in your journey.

Being here, witnessing your love officially recognized, it’s more than just a celebration—it’s a testament to the power of love, of perseverance, and of staying true to who you are. You’ve shown all of us what it means to love unconditionally, to support each other no matter what, and to build a life based on mutual respect and understanding.

I am so proud of you both. Proud to call you my friends, proud of the love you’ve nurtured, and proud of the life you’ve built together. So, here’s to Manny and Robby—to the love that has brought you here today, to the life you’ve created, and to the future that I know will be just as beautiful as the past you’ve shared. May your love continue to grow, may your happiness know no bounds, and may you always remember how much you mean to all of us. Cheers to the both of you!"

Cindy's Speech at Manny and Robby's Wedding

"Hi everyone, I’m Cindy. I’ve known Manny and Robby for what feels like forever, and I’m honored to be here celebrating their love today. If you had told me years ago that we’d all be here, I might not have believed you. Manny and I didn’t exactly start off on the best foot, did we? But looking back, I’m grateful for every twist and turn that brought us to this moment.

Manny, you’ve always been such a steady presence, even when we were just figuring out who we were. There were times when I didn’t understand you, and maybe even times when I was frustrated by you. But as the years went by, I saw you for who you really are—someone who is kind, loyal, and endlessly patient. And Robby… well, you’ve always been the life of the party, haven’t you? The one who can make anyone smile, who brings light into every room you enter.

What I love most about the two of you is how you balance each other out. Robby, you’ve brought out a side of Manny that’s lighter, more open, and I think Manny has grounded you in ways you needed. Together, you’ve built a life full of love, laughter, and a lot of adventures. I’m proud to have been there for some of the best moments—whether it was late-night talks, crazy road trips, or just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.

Today, we’re not just celebrating your marriage; we’re celebrating a friendship that has grown into something even more beautiful. You’ve shown all of us what it means to truly love someone, to stand by each other through thick and thin, and to always keep growing together.

"Robby, I’ve asked you this many times over the years, but today I’ll ask you one last time—who do you really have eyes for? Think about this carefully."

In a sudden, decisive movement, Robby took Manny’s hand, kissed it gently, and said, “I’ve always had eyes for Manny.”

So, here’s to the two of you. To the memories you’ve made, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the many more adventures that have yet to come. I’m so happy for you both, and I know that your love will continue to inspire all of us. Cheers to Manny and Robby!"

Allison and Alicia's Speech

Allison:

"Hi everyone, I’m Allison, and this is my wonderful partner, Alicia. Today, we’re here not just as friends of Manny and Robby, but as a part of their extended family. And I mean that quite literally! It’s hard to put into words just how much these two mean to us, but I’ll give it a try.

Manny and Robby, from the moment we met, it was clear that you two were something special. There was this undeniable connection between you—one that radiated love, trust, and understanding. Over the years, we’ve shared so many laughs, late-night talks, and unforgettable memories, but nothing compares to the journey we embarked on together when we decided to help you grow your family.

Being the surrogates for your children wasn’t just a decision; it was a privilege. We knew how much having a family meant to you both, and we wanted to help make that dream a reality. Carrying your children, feeling their first kicks, and then seeing the joy on your faces when you held them for the first time—those are moments Alicia and I will treasure forever. We got to witness firsthand the incredible love you have, not just for each other but for the beautiful family you’ve created."

Alicia:

"And it’s that love that brings us all here today. We’ve seen you two through so many stages of life—through the ups and downs, the challenges and the triumphs. And what’s always been clear is that no matter what, you’ve always had each other’s backs. The way you support each other, encourage each other, and just love each other—it’s truly inspiring.

The journey we’ve been on together, from those first conversations about surrogacy to the birth of your children, has been nothing short of magical. You trusted us with something so precious, and we’ve always felt honored to be part of your lives in such a meaningful way.

Today, as you officially become husbands, we want to say thank you. Thank you for letting us be part of your story. Thank you for showing us, and everyone here, what true love looks like. And thank you for giving us the opportunity to help bring your amazing children into the world. We know that your love will continue to grow, just like your beautiful family."

Allison:

"Manny and Robby, you’ve built a life that’s full of love, joy, and a little bit of chaos, thanks to those kiddos. We couldn’t be happier for you both, and we’re so grateful to be standing here with you today, celebrating not just your marriage, but the incredible bond we all share. Here’s to many more years of love, laughter, and family. We love you both so much. Cheers to Manny and Robby!"

Brandon's Speech at their Dad and Papa's Wedding

Brandon stepped up to the microphone, the room quieting as he looked out at the guests. He adjusted his tie nervously, but when he saw his dads smiling at him from their table, his confidence grew. Though he was successful in life, he was so much like Manny.

“Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brandon, the eldest son of these two amazing men we’re here to celebrate tonight. First off, I just want to say how honored I am to stand here on such a special day—not just for Dad and Papa, but for all of us who’ve been lucky enough to be part of their lives.”

He paused, glancing at Kyle and Ally, who gave him encouraging nods. “Growing up, our family wasn’t conventional. We didn’t fit the typical mold you see in movies or read about in books. But you know what? We didn’t need to. Because what we had was something every child deserves—unconditional love, support, and parents who would move mountains to make sure we always felt safe and cared for.”

Brandon paused, glancing at Kyle with a grin. “You know, growing up, Kyle and I always managed to keep life interesting for Dad and Papa. I’ll never forget one of our parent-teacher meetings in elementary school. Our teacher, Mrs. Jennings, was going on about how well-behaved we were—hard to believe, I know,” he added with a smirk, earning laughter from the crowd.

“She told Dad and Papa that we were a joy to have in class and then said, ‘So, are you the uncles, or…?’” Brandon shook his head, laughing. “The look on her face when they said, ‘No, we’re the dads,’ was priceless. She was so shocked she almost dropped her clipboard.”

Kyle chimed in from his seat, “And then she asked, ‘Both of you?’ like she couldn’t believe it.”

“Exactly!” Brandon continued. “But instead of getting offended, Dad and Papa just smiled and explained everything, patiently and proudly. They didn’t let the awkwardness of the moment bother them—they just showed her what it meant to be our parents. And by the end of that meeting, Mrs. Jennings said something I’ll never forget. She said, ‘Well, if every family loved their kids as much as you clearly do, this world would be a much better place.’”

Brandon’s smile softened, his tone turning heartfelt. “That’s who they are—two people who loved us fiercely and unconditionally, no matter who questioned or misunderstood. They never let anyone make us feel different or less than. They just showed us, every day, that love is what makes a family.”

Brandon glanced at his siblings, a warm smile on his face. “No matter where life took us—good grades or bad grades, fights—though thankfully there weren’t many—our first days at college, or even our first heartbreaks, our parents were always there. Kyle and I with our first girlfriends, Ally with her first boyfriend... it didn’t matter what it was, Dad and Papa were always ready to listen. And so were our moms, Allison and Alicia.”

He paused, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “They didn’t just parent us; they were our friends. We could go to them with anything, knowing that no matter what we brought to the table—successes or mistakes—they’d be there to support us, to guide us, and most importantly, to love us.”

Brandon’s gaze turned to Allison and Alicia, sitting with their parents at a nearby table. “And we wouldn’t be here without Allison and Alicia, our incredible moms. You gave us life, and you trusted Dad and Papa to guide us through it. And to our grandparents—Allison’s and Alicia’s parents—thank you for being such a vital part of our lives. You’ve been there for every milestone, every scraped knee, every awkward school event. You taught us what it means to be part of a big, messy, beautiful family.”

"Dads parents were always there to support us, no matter what we wanted to do. I remember Dad and Papa shipping us off to grandma and grandpa out in the country. The first few times, it was so boring. No TV, no Internet - nothing. I remember calls home, and we'd be crying begging to Dad then to Papa to come pick us up. But they wouldn't and today, as I look back I understand why."

"They wanted us to experience something different—something simple, something meaningful. And in the quiet of those summers, with just grandma, grandpa, and the land around us, we found something we didn’t know we needed: connection. To family, to ourselves, and to the stories they shared with us. It’s those moments that shaped who we are, and for that, I’ll always be grateful."

He smiled, his voice softening. "Dad and Papa taught us what family truly means—not just the people we’re born into, but the people we choose and who choose us back. And while not everyone in our lives has always understood or agreed with Dad and Papa’s journey, they’ve shown us that love is what defines a family, not just blood. They’ve built something so strong, so beautiful, that it’s a lesson to all of us about resilience and unconditional support. They taught us that family is a bond you create through love, trust, and the moments that make life worth living.”

Brandon laughed, glancing at Ally, then at the audience. “And while we’re on the topic of growing up with two dads, I’ve got to tell you about the talk. You know, the birds and the bees. Or, in our case, the ‘awkward crash course in human biology that no one wanted to give.’ -- now, lets set the stage. Dad and papa asked us to come down into the kitchen, because why not. We knew what they wanted to talk about, in fact we had talked with our moms, Allison and Alicia weeks before - but why spoil the moment, right?”

The crowd chuckled as Brandon continued. “I remember the three of us sitting at the kitchen table, and Dad and Papa looked so uncomfortable. Dad was pacing, like he was trying to figure out where to start, and Papa had this stack of books—because of course, Papa always had books—that he thought might ‘help.’” Brandon made air quotes, earning more laughter.

Kyle chimed in from his seat, “And then Dad started talking about… pollination. Like, actual bees and flowers. It was so bad.”

Brandon nodded, grinning. “Yeah, it went from bad to worse. But before they could make it even more awkward, Ally saved the day.”

He turned to Ally, shaking his head fondly. “She just looked at both of them and said, ‘It’s okay, we already talked to Allison and Alicia about this. We figured you guys would find it a bit… difficult.’”

The room erupted in laughter, and Ally shrugged playfully. “I wasn’t wrong!”

"I wished Ally had waited a little bit longer, I figured we'd get to the good parts!" said Brandon. “And honestly, looking back, that awkward moment just showed how much they cared. They didn’t have to have all the answers—they just had to be there, and they always were.”

Brandon wiped a tear of laughter from his eye. “Dad and Papa were so relieved, you’d think someone had just given them a free pass out of detention. But you know what? That’s what makes them so special. Even when they were out of their depth, they always tried their best. And that’s all we ever needed.”

Brandon raised his hand slightly, signaling for the laughter to settle. “But in all seriousness,” he began, his tone shifting to one of sincerity, “Dad and Papa, you’ve shown us what real love looks like. It’s not always perfect, and it’s definitely not always easy—raising the three of us is proof enough of that,” he added, earning another chuckle from the crowd.

“But through every challenge, every awkward moment, and every triumph, you’ve taught us that love is about showing up, no matter what. It’s about being patient, forgiving, and willing to grow—together. You’ve built a family that isn’t just bound by blood, but by trust, loyalty, and the unwavering belief that we are better because we have each other.”

Brandon turned to his dads, his voice soft but steady. “You’ve given us more than we could ever put into words. And today, as we celebrate everything you’ve accomplished together—your marriage, your love, your life—I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being our foundation, for showing us what it means to love without limits, and for proving that family is the greatest gift of all.”

He turned back toward Manny and Robby, his eyes shining with emotion. “Dad, Papa—you’ve built something extraordinary. Not just this life you share together, but the family you’ve brought us into. Ally, Kyle, and I are who we are because of you. Your love for each other, for us, for everyone in this room—it’s something rare and beautiful. It’s something we carry with us every day.”

Brandon raised his glass, his voice steady now. “So here’s to you, Dad and Papa. To the love you’ve shown us, the family you’ve built, and the life you’ve created together. May it continue to inspire us all. We love you.”

The room erupted in applause as Brandon stepped down, his siblings rushing to embrace him, their dads beaming with pride.